Genetic characterization of the microbiota of artisan fresh cheese from the Papaloapan region

Abstract

The population of the Papaloapan region consume artisan fresh cheeses and no pathogen outbreaks have been reported recently. The microbiota is responsible to develop desirable characteristics of cheeses and undesirable characteristics due to the presence of certain pathogens microorganisms. Therefore, to identify the microorganisms of fresh cheeses is an important issue for the producers, consumers, and authorities. 11 Artisan fresh cheese samples from the Papaloapan region were collected in the summer and 11 samples in winter to characterize their microbiota. Traditional microbial techniques were used to identify the fungus and the amplification of the 16S rRNA gene and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method was used for bacteria identification. For all the samples, the presence of aerobic mesophiles, Streptococcus mesophiles and thermophiles, Lactobacillus mesophiles, Leuconostoc, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, molds, and yeasts were identified. The complexity and variety of microorganisms in the summer and winter seasons samples were not significantly different. In conclusion, all samples of fresh artisan cheeses were under high microbial loads. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) were in a typical load, as established by the quality and safety standards in the food industry. Conversely, pathogenic bacteria exceeded this limit. The microorganisms present in the fresh artisanal cheeses of the Papaloapan region were identified with precision, regarding the count and their diversity. A recommendation for the cheese manufacturers is to prepare starter cultures by selecting the appropriate microorganisms to produce the desirable characteristics such as aroma and flavor and reduce the risk of microbial infections by using pasteurized milk.